Amidst the rhythmic hums and dazzling lights, on October 4th at 6:30 PM, the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA transformed into a veritable coliseum of pinball warfare. The Ball Busters Pinball League was in full swing for its 2023 Season #5 Week 5 tournament.
Stage Set for Thrills and Spills
With Bill Disney taking the reins of the event, 12 fervent players went flipper to flipper, vying for glory across 5 nail-biting rounds. The crisp, clear evening was no match for the electric atmosphere inside the gallery.
Air Guitars & Pinballs
But the talk of the tournament was the epic face-off in Round 2 on Aerosmith (Premium) by Stern. Amy McManus, unranked and under the radar, dazzled the competition, clinching the top spot, leaving behind veterans like Stephanie Savy and Jamme Thomas. Charissa Wiley, though valiant in her attempts, stood fourth.
Honoring the Masters of the Machines
As the echoes of the pinballs faded, the champions emerged:
- Kim Smith reigned supreme, her experience across 72 IFPA events clearly shining through.
- Anita Thallmayer clinched the second spot, proving her prowess.
- Terri Morton followed closely in third, showcasing her impeccable gameplay.
- The night’s underdog, Stephanie Savy, also found herself among the pinball elite.
Machines of Legacy and Lore
From the 12 magnificent pinball machines present, a few commanded special attention. Earthshaker by Williams transported players back to 1989 with its seismic themes. Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern provided medieval thrills, while the Oktoberfest machine made sure there were ‘cheers’ all around. Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally took players on a cinematic journey and, of course, Aerosmith kept the rock spirit alive and kicking.
An Experience Beyond Points
Visiting the Pinball Gallery isn’t just about the tournament. With a plethora of games and an amazing atmosphere, it’s no surprise attendees leave with an urge to come back for more, as one visitor raved about their fantastic experience and the sheer variety the gallery offers.
Pennsylvania’s Pinball Titans
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | — | 191.32 |
| 2 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 156.6 |
| 3 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 141.79 |
| 4 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | — | 136.8 |
| 5 | Bob Choate | Philadelphia | 115.15 |
| 6 | Stephen Le | Chesterbrook | 110.04 |
| 7 | Corey Hulse | Schwenksville | 100.8 |
| 8 | Matt Gusler | Philadelphia | 95.64 |
| 9 | Tony Makowski | Lansdale | 88.05 |
| 10 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 74.72 |
In the ever-evolving world of pinball, the titans of Pennsylvania continue their quest for glory. From Cryss Stephens at the pinnacle to Raymond Davidson completing the top ten, their competitive spirit remains unyielding.
So, as we tilt away from this week’s competition, the buzz is far from over. The Pinball Gallery and the Ball Busters League promise more thrills, more spills, and of course, more pinballs in action.
Keep flipping, folks!